Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked a historic moment today as he led the 10th International Day of Yoga (IDY) celebrations in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir.
The event, held at the SKICC, saw thousands gather despite rainy conditions, showcasing the region’s enthusiasm for yoga and its potential to boost local tourism. In his address, PM Modi expressed gratitude for being in Jammu & Kashmir, describing it as “the land of Yog and Sadhna.” He highlighted the global impact of yoga, noting its growing popularity worldwide and its recognition by international leaders.
A Decade of Global Yoga Movement
Reflecting on the 10-year journey since the UN’s declaration of IDY, the Prime Minister recalled significant milestones:
177 countries endorsed India’s proposal at the UN in 2014
35,000 people practiced yoga on Kartavya Path in 2015
Over 130 countries participated in last year’s event at UN Headquarters
Modi also praised the progress in yoga education, mentioning the recognition of over 100 Indian institutes and 10 major foreign institutes by the Yoga Certification Board.
Yoga’s Global Integration
The Prime Minister shared examples of yoga’s international adoption:
Inauguration of a Yoga Center in Turkmenistan in 2015
Saudi Arabia incorporating yoga into its education system
Mongolian Yoga Foundation operating multiple yoga schools
15 million German citizens practicing yoga
A 101-year-old French yoga teacher receiving Padma Shree award
Yoga for Self and Society
This year’s theme emphasizes yoga’s dual role in personal and communal well-being. PM Modi stressed yoga’s ability to help individuals live in the present and positively impact the world around them.
The Prime Minister also highlighted yoga’s scientific aspects and its incorporation into various fields, including the military, sports, and space exploration. He noted its use in prisons to promote positive thinking among inmates.
Emerging Yoga Economy
Modi pointed out the rise of a “new Yoga Economy,” encompassing:
Yoga tourism
Dedicated yoga facilities in hotels and airports
Yoga apparel and equipment industry
Personal yoga trainers
Corporate wellness initiatives
These developments, he said, are creating new employment opportunities for youth.
Jammu & Kashmir’s Enthusiastic Participation: The Prime Minister commended the people of Jammu & Kashmir, particularly Srinagar, for their enthusiastic participation. He noted that the involvement of 50,000 to 60,000 people in the yoga program in the region was significant. As the event concluded, PM Modi expressed confidence in yoga’s ability to inspire positive change and thanked the people of Jammu & Kashmir for their support. This 10th International Day of Yoga not only celebrated a decade of global yoga awareness but also marked a significant moment in Jammu & Kashmir’s engagement with the national mainstream, emphasizing unity, health, and collective well-being.
